Linga Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 14

Bhūtavana–Kailāsa–Mandākinī–Rudrapurī: Śiva’s Jeweled Abodes and Perpetual Worship

Devanagari script

करालैर्हरिकेशैश् च रोमशैश् च महाभुजैः नानावर्णाकृतिधरैर् नानासंस्थानसंस्थितैः

Transliteration

karālairharikeśaiś ca romaśaiś ca mahābhujaiḥ nānāvarṇākṛtidharair nānāsaṃsthānasaṃsthitaiḥ

Translation

They were fearsome—tawny-haired, shaggy-bodied, and mighty-armed—bearing diverse colors and forms, established in many kinds of shapes and dispositions as the Lord’s attendants.

Word by Word

• करालैः: fearsome/terrifying

• हरिकेशैः: tawny-haired, having yellow-brown hair

• च: and

• रोमशैः: hairy, shaggy

• च: and

• महाभुजैः: with great/mighty arms

• नाना: various, many

• वर्ण: colors/complexions

• आकृति: forms/shapes

• धरैः: bearing/possessing

• नाना: many kinds

• संस्थान: bodily build/structure, configuration

• संस्थितैः: stationed/established, abiding

Speaker

Suta Goswami

Characters & Entities

• Shiva
• Shiva’s Ganas

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It highlights that the Lord’s retinue manifests in countless forms—suggesting that Linga-puja is supported by many protective and transformative powers that remove obstacles and purify the worshipper.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

By portraying fearsome, multi-formed attendants, the verse reflects Shiva-tattva as both awe-inspiring and protective—Pati whose śakti operates through diverse agencies to loosen pasha and uplift the pashu.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

It implicitly supports Pashupata-oriented discipline: cultivating fearlessness and inner purification, while invoking Rudra’s protective forces (gana-shakti) during Linga-puja for obstacle-removal and steadiness in sadhana.